QPR - Wigan Betting Preview: Home advantage could be crucial for Rangers

By William Duncan

After a dismal 0-0 draw on Friday night, Harry Redknapp's men will be looking to beat the Latics on home turf and book their place in the Championship play-off final at Wembley

QPR and Wigan Athletic out a turgid 0-0 draw in the Championship play-off semi-final first-leg at DW Stadium on Friday night meaning that there is still everything to play for when they meet again for the return leg at Loftus Road on Monday evening.

Harry Redknapp’s side will, most likely, be happier with the first-leg stalemate and QPR can be backed at a tempting 11/10 (2.10) with William Hill to book their place in the play-off final at Wembley with victory over the Latics.

Uwe Rosler’s side, though, will feel that they are more than capable of winning the tie in west London and Wigan are chalked up at 11/5 (3.20) with William Hill to beat Redknapp’s men.

Four of the last five meetings between these two clubs has ended level and, with that in mind, there is sure to be plenty of support for the generous 23/10 (3.30) quote from William Hill for another draw when these sides go head-to-head again on Monday.

Goals are likely to be at a premium here, with the three previous meetings between the sides this season producing just one goal – which came in a 1-0 victory for Rangers at Loftus Road back in March – and William Hill offer 6/1 (7.0) that Monday’s meeting produces an identical outcome.

Redknapp’s side have been solid on home soil this term, losing just two of their 23 Championship matches at Loftus Road, while the home side have conceded just 18 goals on home turf.

With that in mind, the generous 5/2 (3.50) quote from William Hill for Queens Park Rangers to win to nil against the Latics looks to be a solid selection and is well worthy of consideration for punters this weekend.

Charlie Austin has been a key man for Redknapp’s side this term, notching an impressive 17 goals in 32 Championship appearances and William Hill have a special “headline offer” of 3/1 (4.0) that the former Burnley striker nets at any time in a victory for QPR.

The same firm go 5/1 (6.0) that Nick Powell, who has fired seven league goals for the Latics this season, finds the net at any time in a win for Rosler’s side – another “headline offer” from William Hill.

However, with QPR looking solid at the back, it is the 5/2 (3.50) quote from William Hill for Redknapp’s men to win to nil that is the recommended play for punters here as the R's look to bounce back to the Premier League at the first attempt.